Bone
Fracture
What
is it?
A
fracture is a break or crack in a bone.
Who
gets it?
Anyone
can fracture a bone. Those with low bone density
(osteoporosis), bone tumors, certain cancers, or a
brittle bone disease called osteogenesis
imperfecta are at higher risk for bone fractures.
Children and adults who are extremely active and
participate in contact sports are also more likely
to experience bone fractures. After middle age,
women are more likely than men to suffer bone
fractures because of diseases that affect bone
strength.
What
causes it?
A
fracture is most often caused by some type of
trauma to a bone. This trauma might occur as a
result of a fall, physical abuse, motor vehicle
accident, or disease. Normal, everyday activities
can cause bone fractures in people with diseases
that weaken the bones.
What
are the symptoms?
In
general, a bone fracture results in pain,
swelling, and, sometimes, bruising from internal
bleeding. The patient cannot bear weight or
pressure on the injured area, and may be unable to
move it without severe pain. The soft tissues
around the broken bone may also be injured. The
area around or below the fracture may feel numb or
paralyzed due to a loss of pulse in that area.
There are many different types of fractures. These
include a closed or simple, fracture, in which the
skin around the fractured bone is not broken. An
open, or compound, fracture, does include a break
in the skin, revealing the bone and making the
wound more susceptible to infection. A fracture is
called complete if the break is the whole way
through the bone, and incomplete (or greenstick)
if the break is partial. Greenstick fractures are
more commonly seen in children.
Stress
fractures are small cracks in a bone that occur
over time as a result of repeated activities that
put stress on the bone. There are many other
classifications of fractures according to
characteristics such as where they occur and their
appearance. A person can have just one fracture or
multiple fractures at the same time.
How is
it diagnosed?
A bone
fracture is diagnosed by a physical examination
and x-rays of the injured area. However, some
types of fractures are difficult to see on an
x-ray. In this case, your doctor may order other
diagnostic imaging tests, such as computed
tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
or bone scans. Open fractures require additional
laboratory tests to determine whether blood has
been lost and if there is infection.
What
is the treatment?
The
treatment for a bone fracture depends upon the
type and location of the fracture and the
patient’s age and medical history. When a fracture
is suspected, the affected area should be
immobilized to prevent any further damage. Minor
fractures can be treated in the office of an
orthopedic specialist. Orthopedics is the branch
of medicine that deals with the treatment of
injuries to or disorders of the skeletal system.
More severe fractures, such as those that are
open, multiple, or to the hip or back, are treated
in a hospital. Most fractures are immobilized with
a cast, brace, splint, or sling. If there is
severe swelling, your doctor may wait until the
swelling has gone down before casting the
fracture.
Stress
fractures often require no more than rest, ice
packs, anti-inflammatory medicines, and
temporarily discontinuing the activity that has
caused the injury. If a fracture results in the
bone being misaligned, the doctor must realign the
bone through a procedure called fracture
reduction. This may be done manually and/or
through traction, which holds the bone in place
for period of time using weights and pulleys.
Surgery
may be necessary when a fracture is open, severe,
or has resulted in severe injury to the
surrounding tissues. Severe fractures may require
internal devices, such as screws, rods, or plates,
to hold the bone in place or replace lost bone
during the healing process. Bone grafts, where
healthy bone is taken from another area of the
body to fill in the fracture, may also be used.
The length of time it takes for a bone fracture to
heal and the need for physical therapy after
treatment depend upon the severity of the fracture
and the age and health of the patient.
Self-care tips
Bone
fractures should be treated as quickly as possible
to avoid complications and ensure complete
healing. Weight-bearing exercise and sufficient
amounts of calcium in the diet help strengthen the
bones and prevent bone fractures. You can also
help prevent bone fractures and other
automobile-related injuries by wearing a seat belt
when riding in a motor vehicle. People who
participate in contact sports should wear
appropriate protective gear. Doctors recommend
estrogen therapy for women over the age of 50.
This, as well as calcium supplements, can help
lower the risk of osteoporosis and related bone
injuries.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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